A new path connecting Bishop Auckland Station and the Weardale Railway has been officially opened.
It makes it easier and safer for passengers to access services whether arriving on a Bishop Line train from Darlington or using Bishop Auckland as a terminus.
The idea is to ensure the communities of Weardale, Bishop Auckland and Darlington are better connected to each other by rail.
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The launch event on Monday was attended by Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham Sue Snowdon, Lord Peter Hendy, chairman of Network Rail, Jonathan Ruffer, founder of The Auckland Project, and representatives from the rail industry and local communities.
Mrs Snowdon said: “The path provides an accessible route from the Bishop Line to the Weardale Railway services allowing passengers with buggies, wheelchairs or cycles to interchange with greater ease.
“We have many hidden gems in County Durham, the Weardale Railway and the stunning scenery in Weardale is most definitely one.”
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The project reinstates the historic platform link between the end of the Bishop Auckland station platform where Northern services arrive from the Bishop Line, and the Weardale Railway platform where services depart for Stanhope.
It was the original east to west platform of the former triangular Bishop Auckland station.
Jonathan Ruffer said: “I see this walkway as a marriage between the Weardale Railway and the National Railway Network, with Bishop Auckland at the heart of it, exactly where it should be.”
This project has been joint funded by Network Rail, the Department for Transport’s Community Rail Development Fund through the Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership, Weardale Railway Ltd and Weardale Railway Trust.
Lord Hendy, who is also chairman of the Railway Heritage Association, said: “The heritage of our railways, particularly in the North East, is hugely significant and it’s vital for attracting tourism and supporting economies.
“Making railway heritage accessible to more people is something I am deeply passionate about and I’m delighted that by working collaboratively, this new pathway has re-opened the route to the Weardale Railway that will allow even more people to visit this fantastic attraction.”
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The previous walking route was a deterrent to more vulnerable members of the community such as the elderly, passengers with reduced mobility and families with small children, due to the dark environment and changes of levels.
The old route forced passengers to make a lengthy walk via an uneven, unlit, narrow footpath and a busy service road serving the rear of a DIY store and the town’s Post Office depot.
David Maddan, chairman for Weardale Railway, said: “By linking the two platforms directly we aimed to make the interchange more accessible to all passengers.
“This infrastructure work is of great significance for passengers using both Northern and Weardale Railway services.
"I am grateful to all who have helped make it possible.”
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